Choose Joy – Part One

City Harbor Church – Hampden, Baltimore, MD

Acts 16 – helpful story of the beginning of Christianity in Philippi
In Acts 16 we read four stories in one narrative about the introduction of Jesus’ Good News in Philippi.

Good News context: “Since we have been made right with God by our faith, we have peace with God. This happened through our Lord Jesus Christ, who through our faith has brought us into that blessing of God’s grace that we now enjoy. And we are happy because of the hope we have of sharing God’s glory.” – Romans 5:1-2 NCV

What do we learn?

1. Jesus brings joy. (series March 10-31, 2024)

Cultivate joy by receiving God’s gracious freedom from sin.

Joy – the emotion evoked by well-being and contentment, great happiness, cheerful

Helpful books to understand the interaction of human thoughts and emotions:

Where is God when it Hurts? by Philip Yancey

Disappointment with God by Philip Yancey

Walking with God through Pain and Suffering by Timothy Keller

How Long O Lord? by D. A. Carson

Emotionally Healthy Spirituality by Peter Scazzero

Happiness is a Choice by Frank Minirth MD & Paul Meier MD

Understanding and Loving a Person with Depression by Stephen Arterburn M.Ed. & Brenda Hunter PhD

“May…God…fill you with all joy,” – Romans 15:13 CSB phrase “sustainably sourced”

“…so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!” – Jesus in John 15:11

“The joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10

This joy is in the context of personal relationship where we are focused on Jesus, receiving His love, following His instruction, and choosing daily to stay in contact with Him. From this great happiness, in Jesus, we draw strength. This can result in us loving each other with a faithful, patient, and kind love. A benefit of this is looking forward to eternity in Heaven.

Sin – to act contrary to the will and law of God, to miss the goal of God’s image and designed purpose, moral failure,

desires and selfish urges to act or our own benefit at the expense of others

Grace – undeserved favorable kindness, gift given with delight,

“God’s wonderful grace became more abundant.” – Romans 5:20 NLT

Saved – to experience divine salvation, rescue from punishment, removing moral guilt, giving new spiritual life

“Saved by his life,” – Romans 5:10 CSB

2. There’s victory in Jesus over temporary limitations, spiritual enemies, and suffering.

God is more powerful than evil spirits!

Jesus gave His followers spiritual authority over evil spirits.

God brings freedom from evil spirits.

Bonus:

Philippians theme: faith-filled thoughtful joy, focused on Jesus, regardless of circumstances

Joy and Prayer – Philippians 1:4-6

Joy and Opposition – Philippians 1:14-18

Joy and Faith – Philippians 1:25, 26

Joy and Unity – Philippians 2:2

Joy and Ministry – Philippians 2:14-16

Joy and Sacrifice – Philippians 2:17, 18

Joy and Victory – Philippians 2:25-29

Rejoicing in the Lord – Philippians 3:1-3

Rejoicing Always – Philippians 4:4

Rejoicing in all Circumstances – Philippians 4:10-12

Note that faith, love, unity, and humility are seen as being at the root of joy.